Introduction
Known for its friendly crew and commitment to passenger comfort, Qantas aims to make its long-haul economy experience enjoyable, including its inflight dining.
But how does the airlineโs economy meal service stack up on international routes?
What to Expect
Qantas Economy Class meals on international flights feature hearty portions, thoughtful options, and complimentary beverages.
Passengers can expect up to three main course optionsโusually chicken, beef, or a plant-based dishโserved with beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks.
For my journey, which spanned several international routes, I had the opportunity to experience a range of Qantas inflight offerings, from pre-dinner snacks to dessert and everything in between.
Melbourne to Singapore
Service started with a pre-dinner snack from Do Good Labs, an Australian-made mix of corn, pretzels, almonds, and soy crispsโan enjoyable and crunchy start to the flight.
Drinks followed, with complimentary wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks offered.
For the main meal, passengers in Economy Class could choose between Kung Pao Chicken, Beef, or a vegetarian option.
I opted for the Kung Pao Chicken, which was the highlight of the meal service.
The chicken was tender and flavourful, paired with fluffy riceโa simple but well-executed dish.
The butter-infused focaccia was a step up from standard economy bread rolls and reminiscent of the bread service on premium airlines like Qatar Airways.
However, the absence of typical airline meal tray side salads and snacks was noticeable.
That said, the crew made up for it by passing through the cabin after the main meal service with a variety of treats, ensuring passengers had something extra to nibble on.
The beverage selection, which includes complimentary alcoholic options, is a strong point.
And, of course, no Qantas flight would be complete without a Tim Tam served alongside a coffeeโan Australian classic that never fails to delight.
Dessert was a Murray Street Ice Creamery caramel maple and macadamia ice cream bar, a delightful upgrade from the Paddle Pop served on the return flight.
Approximately an hour before landing, a second meal service offered passengers the choice of chicken or vegetarian pizza.
While the presentation was essential, the flavour held up, making it a nice way to end the flight.
The crewโs attentive service deserves a special mention.
With regular water runs and additional snacks offered throughout the flight, passengers were well taken care of.
Jakarta to Melbourne
The return flight was a shorter six-hour night journey, but the Qantas service remained consistent.
Blankets designed by Caon Design were provided, adding a touch of comfort to the overnight trip.
Dinner offered the same three choices as the outbound flightโbeef, chicken, or vegetarian pasta. I opted for the beef, paired with potatoes and vegetables.
While the dish was satisfying, it wasnโt as memorable as the Kung Pao Chicken from the previous leg.
Dessert was a Paddle Pop ice cream, though it arrived too frozen to enjoy immediately.
The second service was conducted in near silence to maximise passenger rest.
The crew discreetly offered orange juice and banana muffins.
Conclusion
Qantas Economy Class meals provide a reliable and satisfying inflight dining experience, but there are a few areas for improvement.
The main dishes are hearty and flavourful, with the Kung Pao Chicken being a favourite.
However, the absence of fresh sides like salads or fruit slightly diminishes the overall meal experience.
Qantas introduced its current inflight meal service concept in 2014, removing traditional meal trays in economy.
While the compact service has its meritsโsuch as reducing waste and offering a streamlined dining experienceโit has also sparked conversations about whether passengers miss the more elaborate meal trays that included fresh sides like salads, cheese, and fruit.
With the airline unveiling new uniforms in 2027 and expanding its long-haul network, it raises the question: will we see updates to Qantasโs Economy Class meal offerings?
Could a refreshed approach be in the making?